MODERATE DRINKING MAY INCREASE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION RISKIN CERTAIN OLDER PEOPLE

For older people with heart disease or advanced diabetes, moderate drinking may increase their risk of a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, according to a new study" published in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association. Investigators "analyzed data from more than 30,000 people, aged 55 and older, in 40 countries who had a history of cardiovascular disease or advanced diabetes with organ damage."

Among high-risk individuals, ages 55 and up, who were participating in antihypertensive drug treatment trials, 6.3% of light drinkers, 7.8% of moderate drinkers, and 8.3% of heavy drinkers developed atrial fibrillation during follow-up (P=0.002 for trend)." The researchers found, "after adjustment for numerous potential confounders, that worked out to hazard ratios of 1.14 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.26) for moderate drinkers and 1.32 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.80) for heavy drinkers."

The authors calculate that almost 5% of all AF events that occur in moderate drinkers could be avoided if they stopped drinking, putting alcohol consumption on par with several other established risk factors

POSTED BY:  Steven Almany M.D.